Combination adjustable break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device

ABSTRACT

A break-away scoop stretcher composed of three detachable frame sections adapted to be selectively interengaged to extricate and transport a critically injured person in various positions, including prone, seated and fetal, depending upon the position in which the injured person is found, the stretcher including pivot lock means for interconnecting the several sections in the desired position of use as well as permitting each section to be separated into opposing halves which may be fitted together about the injured person to avoid twisting, turning or other possible injurious movement to the person during extrication from the site of the injury and subsequent transport to a hospital.

United States Patent [191 Bourgraf et al.

[ 1 Nov. 25, 1975 [5 COMBINATION ADJUSTABLE 3,797,051 3/1974 Evans H5/82 BREAK AWAY SCOOP STRETCHER AND 3.8l 1,139 S/l974 Shaw 5/82EXTRICATION DEVICE FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [75] Inventors: ElroyE. Bourgraf, Cincinnati; 463,852 4/1972 United Kingdom 5/82 Kenneth R.Self, Washington; 2 .015 6/ Germany Robert E. Dunn, Bloomingburg, all ofOhi Primary ExaminerCasmir A. Nunberg A a i I I I i F Assign:Femmwashingmn Inc. tlorney Agent or Firm Melville Strasser oster &

. Hoffman Wilmington, Ohio [22] Filed: May 2, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [2]]Appl. No.: 466,275 A break-away scoop stretcher composed of threedetachable frame sections adapted to be selectively interengaged toextricate and transport a critically in- ZF jured person in variouspositions, including prone,

f 403 6 5 81 seated and fetal, depending upon the position in which l 0care the injured person is found, the stretcher including ivot lockmeans for interconnectin the several sec- P g tions in the desiredposition of use as well as permit- [56] Reerences cued ting each sectionto be separated into opposing halves UNITED STATES PATENTS which may befitted together about the injured person 3,122,758 3/l964 Ferneau 5/82to avoid twisting, turning or other possible injurious 7 3/1964HalperinW- 5/82 movement to the person during extrication from the3,153'875 12/1964 Fletch" 5/82 site of the injury and subsequenttransport to a hospi- 3,417,412 12/1968 Andrews..... S/82 3,574,8714/l97l Greene 5182 3,653,079 4/1972 Bourgraf H 5/82 12 Claims, 14Drawing Figures 2 40 et-a US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 1 01 43,921,231

US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet4of4 3,921,231

1 COMBINATION ADJUSTABLE BREAK-AWAY SCOOP STRETCHER AND EXTRICATIONDEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to break-awaysplint or scoop stretchers used to transport a critically injured personfrom the scene of an accident to a hospital or other treatment facility.It is standard practice in such cases to move the patient as little aspossible to avoid possible additional injury or further complication ofexisting injuries. To this end, break-away scoop or splint stretchershave been provided which permit the stretchers frame to be separatedinto opposing halves which may be inserted beneath the patient fromeither side and thereafter fitted together and the patient efiectivelyimmobilized by being strapped to the stretcher. An improved version ofsuch adjustable break-away splint stretcher is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,653,079. While break-away stretchers of this type have proven tobe highly useful in immobilizing and transporting seriously injuredpatients, they are designed to carry the patient in a prone position.There are, however numerous accidents, particularly vehicular, in whichthe victim is found in a seated position or pinned in the wreckage in afetal position. Heretofore, there has been little or no equipmentavailable to extract the victim from the wreakage in the body positionin which the victim was found, and consequently in extricating thevictim from the wreckage it was inevitable that lifting, twisting andturning of the patients body occurred, with attendant risk of furtherinjury during extrication movement to a position in which the stretchercould be fitted in place.

The present invention provides a break-away scoop stretcher which may befitted to the injured person even though the person is found in a seatedor fetal position, the parts of the stretcher being separable andcapable of being fitted about the patient in the condition encountered,the stretcher thus serving the dual function of an extrication device aswell as a means for immobilizing and transporting the patient.

RESUME OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, the stretcheris composed of three frame sections, namely, a head and back sectionadapted to be connected to either a lower torso and leg section or to aseat section, depending upon the nature of the injuries encountered.Each of the frame sections is composed of complimentary frame partspreferably formed from aluminum tubing which mount supporting panels orscoops for the various parts of the body being supported, such supportspreferably being formed from aluminum ribs covered with aluminumsheeting.

Each set of complimentary frame parts is connected together at one endby means of a pivot lock which rigidly connects the frame parts togetherwhile permitting them to be pivoted in the plane of the frame section.The pivot locks are of the type disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat.No. 3,80l,208, issued Apr. 2, I974, entitled Pivot Locking Means." Inaddition to the pivot locks, locking means are provided to selectivelyinterconnect the head and back section with either the seat section orthe lower torso and leg section, depending upon whether the stretcher isassembled for use in prone or inclined position. The latter lockingmeans are similar to the hinge locks but, in the case of the seatsection. additionally include adjustable locking means 2 for includingthe frame sections relative to each other at any desired angle.

In addition to the basic frame elements, the invention also comtemplatesa special head supporting attachment, including cushion and strap means,for immobilizing the head of the injured person.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of the stretcher withthe head and back section and the lower torso and leg section assembledfor use in the prone position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the stretcher taken from the rightside of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. I but with the complimentary partsof the frame section pivoted outwardly relative to each other.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the stretcher with the head and back sectionand the seat section in assembled relation.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view taken from the right side of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the manner in which theseat section may be inclined relative to the head and back section toany desired position of use.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner inwhich the complimentary parts of the frame sections may be assembledrelative to a vehicle seat.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating the head and back sectionand the seat assembled in inclined position, with the retaining strapengaged to prevent lateral movement of the frame sections relative toeach other.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of a head supporting attachment.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view taken from the left side of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner inwhich the head attachment is connected to the frame.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a head supporting cushion.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the cushion.

FIG. I4 is a perspective view illustrating the head restraining strapswhich also serve to connect the cushion to the head attachment when inuse.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. I and2 of the drawings. the stretcher, when assembled for use in the proneposition, comprises a head and back section indicated generally at I,which for convenience will be referred to as the upper section, and alower torso and leg section indicated generally at 2, which forconvenience will be referred to as the lower section. The two sectionsare detachably but rigidly interconnected by the locking means 3. Theupper section comprises complimentary frame parts 4 and 5 preferablyformed from tubular aluminum members 6 and 7 having inturned ends 8 and9 interconnected by the pivot lock I0. Similarly, the lower section 2comprises complimentary frame parts II and 12 formed of tubular members13 and 14, to gether with extensible tubular members 15 and I6 havinginturned ends 17 and I8 interconnected by pivot lock 19.

The upper section 1 is provided with supporting panels 20 and 21; andthe lower section 2 is provided with sets of supporting panels 22, 23and 24. 25. The various supporting panels may be formed from castaluminum. or they may be molded from plastic. although it is preferredthat they be fabricated from a series of aluminum ribs. such as the setsof ribs 26 and 27, also formed from aluminum. which are fixedly securedto the tubular frame members, the ribs being covered by a skin ofaluminum sheeting. It will be understood that a sufficient number ofribs will be spaced along the tubular frame members to rigidify thesupporting panels. In the case of the supporting panels 20, 21 and 22,23, it is preferred that they be provided with sets of hand-holeopenings 28 so that the stretcher bearers may conveniently grip thetubular frame members to carry the stretcher from it opposite sides. thehand-hole openings also providing convenient places of attachment forstraps or other attachment means.

In the embodiment illustrated. the extensible tubular members 15 and 16are disposed inwardly with respect to the tubular frame members 13 and14, being telescopically received within the supporting panels 22 and23. la the embodiment illustrated. locking fixtures 29 and 30 integrallyformed with the ribs 260 and 270 permit the extensible tubular members15 and 16 to be moved outwardly or inwardly relative to the tubularcomprises. as illustrated in FIG. 3.2 a first part 31 having ahorizontally disposed tongue adapted to be received in a bifurcatedsecond part 32, the tongue part having an open-ended slot thereinengageable with a pivot pin extending between the bifurcations of thesecond part. the first part also mounting a springbiased latch memberengageable about the pivot pin to lock the parts together. the latchmember being recessed and provided with a finger engageable releasebutton which must be depressed within the confines of the part torelease the latch from engagement with the pivot pin to permitseparation of the parts. This arangement provdes a positive lock whichcannot be accidentally released. At the same time the parts of the pivotlock may be readily and quickly disengaged by pressing the releasebutton. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, the parts 31 and 32 of pivot lock 10have been disengaged and the complimentary frame parts 4, and 11, 12pivoted outwardly about the pivot lock 19. Such movement facilitates theinsertion of the stretcher beneath a patient lying in the proneposition. Of course. if the need arises. the pivot lock 19 also may bedisengaged and the complimentary frame parts inserted separately beneaththe patient from opposite sides. whereupon the lock will be interengagedto reassemble the stretcher.

The locking means 3 which interconnect the upper and lower framesections are of similar construction to the pivot locks, comprisingfirst or tongue parts 33 secured to the ends of tubular members 6 and 7of the upper section 1 and second or bifurcated parts 34 secured to theends of the tubular frame members 13 and 14 of the lower section 2.However, in order to insure rigidity of the frame sections wheninterconnected, the parts 33 and 34 have mating planar seats or stops.indicated at 35, which lock the parts against rotation when in thelatched condition. In this connection. rigidity of the locking means 3also may be obtained by closing the inner side of the bifurcated part 34so that it defines a three-sided socket for receiving the tongue of part33. Alternatively. the part 34 may be provided with a stop pinpositioned to hold the tongue against pivoting movement relative to thebifurcated part. Similar stop means may be utilized in conjunction withpivot lock to prevent inward movement of the frame parts 4 and 5,particularly when the upper section 1 is used in conjunction with theseat section now to be described.

Referring next to FIGS. 4 and 5, when it is desired to use the stretcherto transport a patient in a seated or fetal position. the lower section2 is removed and replaced by a seat section generally indicated at 36which comprises complimentary frame parts 37 and 38 having tubularmembers 39 and 40 with inturned ends 41 and 42 interconnected by a pivotlock 43 of the type previously described. The tubular members 39 and 40mount supporting panels 44 and 45 constructed in the same manner as thepreviously described supporting panels.

The locking means which interconnect the upper and seat sectionsutilizes the first or tongue parts 33 connected to the ends of tubularmembers 6 and 7, together with bifurcated tongue receiving parts 46which correspond to the bifurcated parts 34 previously described inconjunction with lower section 2, although it is preferred to eliminatethe planar seat from the bifurcated part 46 so that the parts 33 and 46may be readily assembled from any desired angle.

In order to permit pivoting movement of the seat section 36 relative tothe upper section I, an adjustable locking mechanism 47 connects thebifurcated parts 46 to the tubular members 39 and of the seat section.The locking mechanisms 47 are of known construction, comprising innerparts 48 rigidly connected to the bifurcated parts 46, and outer parts49 rigidly connected to the ends of tubular members 39 and 40. The parts48 and 49 have mating disc-like toothed faces which are rotatablerelative to each other about the shaft of adjustment knob 490 when thefaces are separated and locked relative to each other when the teeth onthe faces are interengaged. The adjustment knob, when turned. acts tocam the faces from one position to the other. Thus, the adjustablelocking mechanisms 47 permit the seat section 36 to be inclined relativeto the plane of upper section 1 to any desired degree, as illustrated inHO. 6 wherein the seat section 36 is shown disposed at right angles tothe upper section 1, the doubled-headed arrow A indicating that the seatsection 36 may be inclined relative to the upper section 1 at anydesired angle.

The seat section 36 is provided with a retaining and safety strap 51which is fixedly secured to the seat section 36, preferably surroundingone of the inner parts 48 of the adjustable locking mechanism 47. Thestrap 51 has a first part 52 of a length to span the distance be tweenthe opposite sides of the complimentary frame parts 4, 5 and 37, 38, thestrap part 52 having a ring 53 on its outermost end adapted to engageabout a headed stud 54 projecting outwardly from the inner part 48 onthe opposite side of the seat section. When the ring on the strap 52 isengaged about the stud 54, in the manner illustrated in HO. 8, the strapeffectively secures together the inner ends of complimentary framesections 37 and 38 as well as the inner ends of complimentary frameparts 4 and 5. The frame parts are thus prevented from moving outwardlyrelative to each other and hence insures against possible separation ofthe frame parts. While the connection between locking parts 33 and 46could be rigidified in the manner previously described in conjunctionwith bifurcated parts 34, it is preferred to permit pivotal movementbetween the parts in order to facilitate assembly of the stretcher aboutthe injured person. The strap 51 also includes a second part 55 adaptedto pass around the patient, the strap part 55 being engageable with abuckle 56 carried by a coacting third strap part 57. As should now beevident, the strap 51 serves both safety and retaining functrons.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the sections of the stretcher may be readilyassembled about an injured patient. For example, if an injured patientwere seated on vehicle seat 57 having a seat back 58, it will be readilyapparent that the complimentary frame parts 37 and 38 of the seatsection could be separated from each other and from upper section 1, thecomplimentary frame parts being inserted from opposite sides between theseat and the patient, and the pivot lock 43 interengaged to secure theparts together. Thereafter, the frame part 5 of the upper frame sectioncan be connected to part 48 in the manner illustrated, whereupon whenthe parts 33 and 46 of the locking means are interengaged, the part 5can be pivoted upwardly so as to slide between the patient and seat back58. The complimentary frame part 4 of upper section 1 would be attachedand fitted in like manner, thereby effectively constructing thestretcher about the patient. Upon being strapped to the stretcher, thestretcher thus becomes an extraction device by means of which thepatient may be removed from the seat without harmful lifting, twistingor turning movement and, in all probability, transported to the hospitalin the seated position. It should be readily apparent that if thepatient were encounted in a fetal position, possibly thrown beneath thedashboard of the vehicle, the stretcher could be assembled around the patient and the patient extricated in the position in which found.

Referring next to FIGS. 9 and 10, the invention also contemplates theprovision of a detachable headrest 59 comprising a planar supportingplate 60 having a rearwardly inclined lowermost end 61 mounting on itsrear surface a spaced apart pair of brackets 62 each of which has ahook-like upper end 63 of a size to engage about the inturned tubularends 8 and 9 of the upper frame section 1. The brackets terminatedownwardly in fingers 64 which coact with the lowermost marginal edgesof support plate 60 to engage the uppermost ends of supporting panelsand 21 of the upper frame section 1. A pair of headed studs 66 projectrearwaradly from the upper marginal edge of supporting plate 60. Theheadrest 59 is shown attached to upper frame section 1 in FIG. 11,wherein it will be seen that when the hooklike portion 63 of thebrackets are engaged about the inturned tubular ends of the frame parts,the lower most end of the supporting plate 60 will be held in engagementwith the supporting panels 20 and 21 by the fingers 64.

A head cushion 67, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, is adapted to be seatedon the headrest 59, the cushion preferably comprising a padded basemember 68 mounting a pair of head supporting sections 69 and 70 which,as seen in FIG. 13, have inwardly inclined upper surfaces 71 and 72. Thehead cushion may be formed 6 from any suitable cushion-forming materialand the outermost sides of the sections 69 and are provided withstrap-receiving loops 73 and 74 overlying the base member 68.

As seen in FIG. 14, the loop members 73 and 74 are adapted to receive ahead strap 75 to which a chin strap 76 is secured, the opposite ends ofthe head strap 75 being adapted to pass around the headrest 59 wherethey may be secured together, as by means of Velcroe fasteners,indicated at 77 and 78, or other suitable fastening means. The chinstrap 76, on the other hand, terminates upwardly in extensions 79 and 80each of which has a series of eyelets 81 adapted to selectively engagethe head stud 66 on the back of supporting plate 60. With thisarrangement, the patients head may be securely fastened to the headrestand hence effectively immobilized during extrication and transport tothe hospital.

As should now be apparent, the instant invention provides a break-awayscoop stretcher which can be utilized to effectively and safelyextricate an injured person from wreckage irrespective of the positionin which the patient is found. The three frame sections which make upthe stretcher may be readily stored in a relatively small space, as maythe head supporting attachments. The structure combines all of theadvantages of hitherto known break-away split stretchers with the addedability to remove and transport a patient in the variety of differentpositions, the stretcher construction being such that the parts may beassembled to the patient at the site of the accident.

Numerous modifications may be made in the invention without departingfrom its spirit and purpose. A number of such modifications have alreadybeen set forth and others will undoubtedly occur to the skilled workerin the art upon reading this specification. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be lim ited other than in the manner setforth in the claims which follow.

We claim:

1. A break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device comprising anupper frame section, a lower frame section, and a seat frame section,said upper frame section being adapted to be selectively connected toeither said lower frame section or to said seat frame section, each ofsaid frame sections comprising a complimentary pair of frame partsdetachably interconnected at one end by a pivot lock means, framesection locking means for selectively interconnecting either said lowerframe section or said seat frame section to said upper frame section,said frame section locking means comprising first locking parts mountedon the remaining ends of the frame parts forming said upper framesection, coacting second locking parts mounted on the re maining ends ofthe frame parts forming said lower frame section, and additionalcoacting locking parts mounted on the remaining ends of the frame partsforming said seat frame section, said upper and lower frame sectionswhen interconnected providing a stretcher for receiving a patient inprone position, said coacting second locking parts when interengagedwith said first locking parts acting to rigidly interconnect said upperand lower frame sections in a common plane, and said upper and seatframe sections when interconnected by interengaging said additionalcoacting locking parts with said first locking parts forming anextrication device and stretcher for receiving a patient in an inclinedposition, said additional locking parts including adjustable lockingmeans mounting said seat frame section for pivotal movement relative tosaid upper frame section.

2. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 1 including detachable strap means extending between andinterconnecting the complimentary frame parts of said upper framesection and said seat frame section when said two frame sections areinterconnected.

3. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 2 wherein said strap means includes strap sections for surroundingthe body of a patient received on said stretcher.

4. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 1, including a detachable headrest comprising a supporting plate.and bracket means on the rear surface of said plate for detachablyconnecting it to said upper frame section.

5. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 4 including a cushion for said headrest. and adjustable strapmeans operatively connected to said cushion for engaging the head of apatient. said strap means including attachment means for securing saidstrap means to said headrest.

6. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 1 wherein the complimentary pair of frame parts of each of saidframe sections com prise tubular frame members having inturned endsmounting said pivot lock means. and supporting plates mounted on saidtubular frame members.

7. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 6 wherein said lower frame section includes an extensible footportion. said extensible foot portion comprising tubular frame membersaxially.

movable relative to the remainder of the lower frame section. andlocking means for adjustably securing said extensible foot portion tothe remainder of said lower frame section.

8. ln a break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device. a first framesection comprising a complimentary pair of frame parts, pivot lock meansdetachably interconnecting said pair of frame parts together at one endfor pivotal movement relative to each other. a second frame sectionhaving a complimentary pair of frame parts. and pivot locking meansdetachably interconnecting said last named pair of frame parts at oneend for pivotal movement relative to each other. (letachable framesection locking means for detachably interconnecting said first andsecond frame sections, said frame section locking means comprising firstlocking parts mounted on the remaining end of said upper frame section.and second coacting locking parts mounted on the remaining end of saidsecond frame section. and means restraining said complimentary pairs offrame parts from pivoting movement when said first and second framesections are interconnected.

9. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 8 wherein said first frame section comprises a head and backsupporting section. wherein said second frame section comprises a lowertorso and leg support section, and wherein the means restrining saidcomplimentary pair of frame parts from pivoting movement comprises stopmeans associated with said frame section locking means acting to rigidlyinterconnect said frame sections.

10. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 8 wherein said first frame section comprises a head and backsupporting section. wherein said second frame section comprises a seatsection. and wherein the means restraining said complimentary pairs offrame parts from pivotal movement comprises strap means extendingbetween and connected to the complimentary pair of frame parts of saidsecond section adjustent said frame section locking means.

ii. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaim 8 including adjustable locking means on one of said frame sectionsadjacent said frame section locking means acting to mount said framesections for pivoting movement relative to each other when said framesections are interconnected.

12. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed inclaiam ll wherein the parts of said frame section locking means arepivotally movable rel ative to each other in the plane of one of saidframe sections. and restraining means operative to prevent pivotalmovement of said locking parts in at least one direction.

1. A break-away scoop stretcher and extrication device comprising anupper frame section, a lower frame section, and a seat frame section,said upper frame section being adapted to be selectively connected toeither said lower frame section or to said seat frame section, each ofsaid frame sections comprising a complimentary pair of frame partsdetachably interconnected at one end by a pivot lock means, framesection locking means for selectively interconnecting either said lowerframe section or said seat frame section to said upper frame section,said frame section locking means comprising first locking parts mountedon the remaining ends of the frame parts forming said upper framesection, coacting second locking parts mounted on the remaining ends ofthe frame parts forming said lower frame section, and additionalcoacting locking parts mounted on the remaining ends of the frame partsforming said seat frame section, said upper and lower frame sectionswhen interconnected providing a stretcher for receiving a patient inprone position, said coacting second locking parts when interengagedwith said first locking parts acting to rigidly interconnect said upperand lower frame sections in a common plane, and said upper and seatframe sections when interconnected by interengaging said additionalcoacting locking parts with said first locking parts forming anextrication device and stretcher for receiving a patient in an inclinedposition, said additional locking parts including adjustable lockingmeans mounting said seat frame section for pivotal movement relative tosaid upper frame section.
 2. The break-away scoop stretcher andextrication device claimed in claim 1 including detachable strap meansextending between and interconnecting the complimentary frame parts ofsaid upper frame section and said seat frame section when said two framesections are interconnected.
 3. The break-away scoop stretcher andextrication device claimed in claim 2 wherein said strap means includesstrap sections for surrounding the body of a patient received on saidstretcher.
 4. The break-away scoop stretcher and extrication deviceclaimed in claim 1, including a detachable headrest comprising asupporting plate, and bracket means on the rear surface of said platefor detachably connecting it to said upper frame section.
 5. Thebreak-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed in claim 4including a cushion for said headrest, and adjustable strap meansoperatively connected to said cushion for engaging the head of apatient, said strap means including attachment means for securing saidstrap means to said headrest.
 6. The break-away scoop stretcher andextrication device claimed in claim 1 wherein the complimentary pair offrame parts of each of said frame sections comprise tubular framemembers having inturned ends mounting said pivot lock means, andsupporting plates mounted on said tubular frame members.
 7. Thebreak-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed in claim 6wherein said lower frame section includes an extensible foot portion,said extensible foot portion comprising tubular frame members axially,movable relative to the remainder of the lower frame section, andlocking means for adjustably securing said extensible foot portion tothe remainder of said lower fraMe section.
 8. In a break-away scoopstretcher and extrication device, a first frame section comprising acomplimentary pair of frame parts, pivot lock means detachablyinterconnecting said pair of frame parts together at one end for pivotalmovement relative to each other, a second frame section having acomplimentary pair of frame parts, and pivot locking means detachablyinterconnecting said last named pair of frame parts at one end forpivotal movement relative to each other, detachable frame sectionlocking means for detachably interconnecting said first and second framesections, said frame section locking means comprising first lockingparts mounted on the remaining end of said upper frame section, andsecond coacting locking parts mounted on the remaining end of saidsecond frame section, and means restraining said complimentary pairs offrame parts from pivoting movement when said first and second framesections are interconnected.
 9. The break-away scoop stretcher andextrication device claimed in claim 8 wherein said first frame sectioncomprises a head and back supporting section, wherein said second framesection comprises a lower torso and leg support section, and wherein themeans restrining said complimentary pair of frame parts from pivotingmovement comprises stop means associated with said frame section lockingmeans acting to rigidly interconnect said frame sections.
 10. Thebreak-away scoop stretcher and extrication device claimed in claim 8wherein said first frame section comprises a head and back supportingsection, wherein said second frame section comprises a seat section, andwherein the means restraining said complimentary pairs of frame partsfrom pivotal movement comprises strap means extending between andconnected to the complimentary pair of frame parts of said secondsection adjustent said frame section locking means.
 11. The break-awayscoop stretcher and extrication device claimed in claim 8 includingadjustable locking means on one of said frame sections adjacent saidframe section locking means acting to mount said frame sections forpivoting movement relative to each other when said frame sections areinterconnected.
 12. The break-away scoop stretcher and extricationdevice claimed in claiam 11 wherein the parts of said frame sectionlocking means are pivotally movable relative to each other in the planeof one of said frame sections, and restraining means operative toprevent pivotal movement of said locking parts in at least onedirection.